Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Rice Recipe

Introduction

This easy shrimp and rice recipe brings together tender, flavorful shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a simple but satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt, to taste (for rice)
• 1 tbsp butter (for rice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water or chicken broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
2. Step 2: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
6. Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly for 3–5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Heat through for a minute.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice.
• Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for added color and nutrients.
• Use gluten-free broth and Parmesan cheese if you need a gluten-free version.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect slightly less richness.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure it sears nicely.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese as a substitute. If avoiding dairy, omit the cheese and add a little extra seasoning or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 95 reviews

This Easy Shrimp and Rice recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce served over fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, the shrimp are seasoned and seared before being simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon. The tender rice cooked separately with butter and broth complements the rich shrimp to create a comforting and flavorful meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups water or chicken broth, salt, and 1 tbsp butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered to steam.
2. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp paprika evenly on all sides.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the dish: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Heat through for another 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve: Plate warm rice and spoon creamy garlic butter shrimp over the top. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For more flavor, cook rice in chicken broth instead of water.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best sauce texture and taste.
• Shrimp cook quickly – avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger servings, adjust cooking times accordingly.

Keywords: easy shrimp recipes, shrimp and rice, creamy shrimp, quick dinner, garlic butter shrimp